Spots in Around Kyoto Station Area

Area

Kyoto
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  Ehime
  
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- Kyushu / Okinawa
  
  Fukuoka
  
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  Kagoshima
  
  Okinawa

Around Kyoto Station

Category

To-ji Temple (Kyo-o-gokoku-ji Temple)

4.5

1646 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Minami-ku Kujouchou 1

This Buddhist temple is the only remaining structure built during the days of the ancient capital of Heian-kyo (the former name of the city of Kyoto) and officially named Kyo-o gokoku-ji Temple. The temple was registered as a World Heritage site in 1994. The temple’s numerous National Treasures are worthy of note, such as its Kondo Hall (Main Hall), Daishido Hall (Miei House), and five tier pagoda, which is 55 meters (187 feet) tall and is the tallest wooden structure in Japan. Some of the temple’s many other historic and cultural assets include the southern gate and lecture hall, both registered as Important Cultural Properties.

this place was absolutely gorgeous. It was established towards the end of the 8th Century, with it being the only remaining site from the original Heiankyo. (meaning that it existed since Kyoto...
Nishi Hongan-ji Temple

4.5

788 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Prefecture Kyoto City Shimogyo-ku Horikawa Nagaya-machi Town Down

The head temple of the Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji sect of Buddhism believed to have originally been built as the mausoleum of the priest Shinran Shonin in 1272. After repeated relocations including Osaka and Wakayama, the temple was moved to its current location in 1591 with a donation from Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1591. The Nishi Hongwanji Temple (officially Ryukokuzan Hongwanji Temple) is the site of numerous Azuchi-Momoyama period structures designated National Treasures, including the Goei-do hall, Amidado-hall, the Kitano Stage (Japan’s oldest Noh stage), and study. The study’s garden is a traditional dry landscape garden and is designated a Special Place of Scenic Beauty. In 1995, the entire grounds of the shrine were registered as part of the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto” World Heritage listing.

We came to see this temple after visiting the Higashi Hongonji. There were rather a lot of tents, which rather spoiled the ancient ambience of the complex; also making photography...
Higashi Honganji Temple

4.0

769 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Prefecture Kyoto City Shimogyo-ku Karasuma-dori Seven Rises

Higashi Honganji Temple is the head temple of the Otani sect of Shinshu Buddhism. The “Goeido” housing an image of sect founder Shinran is said to be one of the world’s largest wooden buildings with dimensions north-south of 76 meters, east-west of 58 meters, and a height of 38 meters. It was occasionally devastated by fire, and the current building is a reconstruction from the Meiji period. The gate outside Goeido, “Goeidomon,” is one of Kyoto’s three large gates.

Our taxi driver dropped us off here while he waited. It was near closing time so we had to rush. The massive scale of this temple is quite impressive. The decor is beautiful and you really have a...
Kyoto Aquarium

4.0

546 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Shimogyou-ku Kankijichou 35-1 (in Umekoji Park)

"This inland aquarium is located in Umekoji Park, about a 15-minute walk from Kyoto Station. It consists of 10 areas, including the area of giant salamanders that inhabit the Kamo River, a huge tank filled with artificial seawater that recreates the Kyoto Sea, dolphins, penguins, etc. In July 2020, ""Jellyfish Wonders"" opened, exhibiting 5,000 jellyfish of about 30 species, the largest number in western Japan."

The Kyoto Aquarium is definitely worth a visit if you are in Kyoto. It is large and well laid out. There are maps that make it easy to navigate around. It is one of the places in Kyoto that is...
Kyoto Tower

3.5

79 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, Shimogyo-ku Karasuma through seven under article le Higashishiokoji-cho 721-1

A 131-meter-tall tower located in Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture. Visitors can gaze out over a 360-degree panorama of the streets of the ancient capital of Kyoto from the observation deck 100 meters above the ground. “Tawawa-chan Shrine,” the tower’s cute shrine-cum-mascot, can also be found in the observation deck. The building at the tower’s base contains a hotel, café, restaurants, and sky lounge. There’s also a day trip bath house which opens at 7 am and which is popular with travelers arriving via the night bus. (Note: Due to remodeling, the shops on the first floor are scheduled to be closed until spring 2017.)

Great location across from Kyoto Station in basement of Kyoto Tower; open from 0700 to 2130, with price including small towel under¥1000, and cheaper with JAF Membership. Very friendly staff who...
Shosei-en Garden

4.0

248 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Prefecture Kyoto Shimogyo-ku, Shima-nakaya-cho Toyonokono cho, Toyotami-cho

This garden is located in Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto. An enclave of Higashi Honganji Temple, known as Ohigashi-san, it was designed by Ishikawa Jozan. You can enjoy the scenery of the four seasons, with irises and water lilies in the summer, and the changing color of leaves in the autumn. Because karatachi (Japanese bitter-orange) trees are planted around it, the garden is also known as Kikoku-tei (house of karatachi).

By late March wasnt spectacular but I really enjoyed my time there. I think I spent nearly 2 hours just strolling around. One of the best bits its that it was nearly empty.
Kyoto Station Building

Leisure / Hobbies

Kyoto Prefecture Kyoto City Shimogyo-ku Karasumaru Saltwater Road Down Le Higashi Salokoji-machi 901

This is a large station building with 16 floors over and three floors underground that houses JR Kyoto Station - the entrance to Kyoto. Along with Kyoto Station itself there are a range of facilities including Hotel Granvia Kyoto, Kyoto Theater, Isetan department store, specialist shops, an art gallery, a rooftop garden, and Kyoto ramen alley. The central concourse is a roof-covered atrium, and there is a sky path 45 meters above ground. The famous 30-meter-long 171-step staircase is illuminated at night.
Umekoji Park

4.0

135 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Shimogyou-ku Kankijichou 56-3

A park located on the former site of the Japan Freight Railway Company Umekoji Station that was built to commemorate the 1,200th anniversary of the foundation of Heiankyo, the ancient capital of Japan. The parks spacious 13.7 hectare grounds include a lawn surrounded by flowers and trees, a riverbed where families can play in the shallow waters, and a forest designed to recreate an animal biotope. The park is also used for a variety of events. On Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, a nostalgic street car operates in the park between the Hazesaku Yume and Shiden plazas. Kyoto’s first aquarium was opened in the park in 2012, and one of the largest railroad museums in Japan was also opened here in 2016. Walk 15 minutes west from Kyoto Station.

This is surely a beautiful and serene park in Kyoto. On our way to the Railway Museum (see my review earlier for this place too), we passed by this park. Although it was 12.30pm, it wasnt sunny or...
JR Kyoto Isetan

4.0

22 Reviews

Shopping

Kyoto Prefecture Kyoto City Shimogyo-ku Karasumaru Saltwater Road Down Le Higashi Salinkochi Town

A department store connected directly to Kyoto Station. The basement food sales area is host to a variety of shops selling bento box lunches and sweets. There is also a restaurant street on the top floor and a variety of “open view” restaurants from the 7th to the 10th floor giving diners the chance to enjoy super views of Kyoto from large windows installed in the building.

京都伊勢丹にある聖護院八ッ橋。ニッキと抹茶味、それにそのままの八つ橋を自宅用に買いました。お土産には硬い八ッ橋を買いました。
Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, Otabisho

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Minami-ku Nishikujouikenouchichou 98

Located about five minutes on foot from Kyoto Station in Minami Ward, Kyoto City, this is the spot where Fushimi Inari's mikoshi (portable shrine) is stored. Tourists and locals pour in for the annual Inari Festival from late April to early May when the precincts are lined with a variety of stalls. During this time visitors can receive a goshuin, the shrine's official stamp.
Takashimaya Kyoto Store

Shopping

Kyoto Prefecture Kyoto Shirokyo-ku Shijyodo Kawaramachi Nishinomicho 52

Takashimaya Kyoto Store is a department store located in the Kawara-machi area of the city. In addition to the usual fashions and food, it contains an art gallery and an arts and crafts salon. It was reopened after remodeling in 2006. The so-called dining garden, Kyo Kairo, located on the seventh floor, offers a wide selection of eating and drinking establishments, built in the modern Japanese style typical of Kyoto.
Kyoto Tourist Information Center

4.0

114 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Shimogyou-ku Karasumashiokouji Downer Kyoto Station Building 2F along the north and south free passage

Located on the second floor of the Kyoto Station building, this information center is jointly operated by the city and prefecture of Kyoto. The facility provides tourist information, including sightseeing spots and lodging facilities throughout the prefecture, and also sells event tickets. In addition to English, the center also provides information in Chinese, and both North and South Korean dialects.

I went there twice and the staff was always helpful and spot on. I asked about the location of a ramen restaurant I had spoted, but the staff knew a lot about ramen and pointed me to 2 shops that...
Kyoto Railway Museum

Leisure / Hobbies

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Shimogyou-ku Kankijichou

A museum dedicated to railways located on the western side of Kyoto Station. The museum features some 31 thousand square meters of exhibition space, which was the largest in Japan when the facility first opened. The facility displays 53 trains which helped lead the modernization of Japan. The museum is full of other interesting sights and activities, as well, including a giant railroad diorama, a train which visitors can ride pulled by a real steam engine, and a train simulator which shows what it's like to drive a train. The museum also provides a variety of cultural activities such as guided tours and workshops conducted by JR West Japan employees. Walk 20 minutes west from the central entrance of JR Kyoto Station.
Aeon Mall (KYOTO)

Shopping

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Minami-ku Nishikujoutoriguchichou 1

This shopping mall is about five minutes on foot from JR Kyoto Station in Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture. It features about 140 shops and puts on 1,000 Events a Year, mainly on weekends. These include live shows, exhibitions, workshops, and more. There is a free shuttle bus from Kyoto Station on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.
The Cube

4.0

79 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Kyoto Prefecture Kyoto Ward, Karasuma-dori Saltwater Road Down Le Higashi Salinkocho Town 901 Kyoto Station Building

A shopping mall located inside the Kyoto Station building offering fashionable apparel, gourmet foods, and Kyoto souvenirs. Comprised of the B2 fashion floor, B1 Kyoto souvenir and goods floor, first floor Kyoto sweets floor, and 11th floor restaurant street, the facility is connected directly to Kyoto Station, which serves a variety of JR train lines.

A shopping area inside Kyoto station, with plenty of opportunities to buy Japan and Kyoto related souvenirs, such as local products and snacks, for both Japanese and foreign tourists. Worth a look if...
Ichihime-jinja Shrine

4.0

44 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Shimogyou-ku Kawaramachigojou Below the First Level Nishijiru

This was built in 795 by Fujiwara no Fuyutsugu under orders of Emperor Kammu. The enshrined deities are all goddesses, and as successive generations of empress believed in the shrine as a protector of women it is famous for helping with marriage, children and childbirth. The card-shaped charms are popular.

great street food heading up to the shrine as well, more beautiful in person than any photos you see
Inabado (Byodoji Temple)

4.0

49 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Shimogyou-ku Inabadouchou 728

Located in Kyoto's Shimogyo Ward, Inabado, also known as Byodoji, is a temple of the Chisan branch of Shingon Buddhism, dedicated to Yakushi Nyorai, one of the three major Buddhas revered in Japan. The national government has designated it an Important Cultural Property. Prayers said at this temple are said to be effective against cancer. On the eighth day of every month, cedar sticks are burned in a goma ceremony for purification, and prayers are offered.

A very well-known and popular temple for the Japanese Medicine （healing) Buddha. The bhaisajyaguru (Medicine) Buddha can heal all diseases including cancers, thus a lot of people came over this...
Costume Museum

4.0

37 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Kyoto Prefecture Kyoto-shi, Shimogyo-ku Horikawa Don Shin-Hanaya Town Downtown Izuchi Left Beef Building 5F

Opened in 1974, the Costume Museum features exhibits of Japanese clothing and customs around it dating from ancient to modern times. In 2012 they added a 1:4 scale exhibition on the early and middle Heian period. It lets visitors experience the world of the Heian period with the five senses and the transformations that took place over its 400 years.

Very small. On 5th floor. So well done, no crowd, colorful and accurate. An oasis in contrast to larger exhibits. Especially kind representation of females.
Kyoto-Gekijo (Theater)

4.0

15 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Kyoto Prefecture Kyoto Ward, Shimogyo-ku, Karasuma-dori Saltwater Road Down in Le Kyoto Station Building

A theater with superb access, located within the station building of JR Kyoto Station. They hold a variety of events, naturally including stage arts in every genre, such as musicals, plays, concerts, and dances, as well as lectures and symposiums. While being a mid-sized theater with 941 seats, its facilities and environment are comparable to a large theater. The space is compact, with the first floor seats going back twenty seven meters, so every seat offers the same majesty from the stage. Check the official homepage for the performance schedule.

京都駅の改札を出てすぐ横にありアクセスは抜群です。建物の古さは否めませんので建物内のロビー奥にあるトイレ等は古さを感じます。劇場入口隣には京料理をランチで食べられるお店もあり早めに来てランチをしてから劇場に入るのもいいなと思いました。
Ryukoku University Ryukoku Museum

4.0

40 Reviews

Leisure / Hobbies

Kyoto Prefecture Kyoto Shirokyo-ku Horikawa Dori Front (Nishihonganji Temple in front)

Ryukoku Museum is dedicated to Buddhism and based on the research of Ryukoku University. Visitors learn about Buddhist thought, history, and culture through easy to understand displays of authentic items. In addition, their special theme-based exhibitions and planned exhibitions held a few times a year are always interesting. The museum's first floor cafe and shop can be used without visiting the museum itself.

We decided to stop at this Museum as it started to rain very hard after our visit of the Nishi Hongwangi Temple ( on the other side of the street ) .Lots of children around taking classes and...

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Kyoto Areas

Its wooden tea houses, shuffling geisha, and spiritual sights have seen Kyoto hailed as the heart of traditional Japan, a world apart from ultramodern Tokyo. Despite being the Japanese capital for over a century, Kyoto escaped destruction during World War II, leaving behind a fascinating history which can be felt at every turn, from the fully gold-plated Kinkakuji Temple down to traditional customs such as geisha performances and tea ceremonies, which are still practiced to this day.